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MORE REVELATIONS ON COVID 19 INFRACTIONS, WORKING CONDITION INSIDE FLOUR MILLS NIGERIA’S SUBSIDIARY

Published

4 years ago

April 27, 2020

By NGIJ team

As the rampaging Covid 19 pandemic continue to wreak havoc all over the world, fresh revelations have emerged on the alleged coronavirus safety infractions and life threatening working condition by workers of Sunti Golden Sugar Estates Limited, a subsidiary of Flour Mills Nigeria Plc.

Located on the banks of River Niger, in Mokwa, Niger state, Sunti Golden Sugar Estates Limited features 17, 000 hectares of irrigable farmland and a Sugar mill that process 4,500 metric tons of sugarcane per day.

At full capacity, the estate is expected to produce 1 Million tons of Sugarcane which roughly translates into 100,000 metric tons of sugar yearly.
There has been accusations and counter-accusations between the company and the workers since the news broke in the media last week.

For instance, the workers alleged that the management had decided to lock down the workers inside the farm without paying their salary or an opportunity to inform their families. Those who defied the order to go and inform their family were said to have been sacked.

The company is also accused of providing hand washing facilities only to places that leads to the expatriates offices, homes or where the expatriates frequently visits, while abandoning the Nigerians to their fate.

Before now, the workers and the community, it is alleged, had been having a running battle with the company over series of workers/community rights infractions which have most times, been suppressed by brutal force employed by police and other security men allegedly at the behest of the company.

Joseph Umolu, FMN’s Company Secretary/Legal Adviser in his response last week debunked the workers’ assertion and explained that the company introduced a strategic response plan for COVID-19.

The new allegation by the workers include the facts that the company had been fumigating premises where the expatriates live at the expense of their Nigerian counterparts.

They also alleged that the ATM machine provided inside the premises had been without money for more than two weeks now thereby putting the workers in extreme difficulty. This is aside the fact that the suppliers and customers vehicles had been going in out of the premises without covid 19 precautions.

Meanwhile, Samuel Iboroma, FMN Corporate Communication Manager explained in a mail that “our employees who are on-site at Sunti have all voluntarily decided to stay on-site and continue to work to further the company’s objectives of providing healthy and safe food for Nigerian during these tough times.”
And to ensure their safety and reduce their exposure to the virus, he added,

“several measures have been put in place, including adequate housing, prompt payment of salaries and proper healthcare including two qualified resident doctors.”
On the frosty relationship between the company and the host community, Iboroma maintained that Sugar Golden Sugar Estates has enjoyed very cordial relations with its host communities.
“Like several of our investments across the country, we believe in partnerships and shared values. We understand that the sustainability of our business depends to a great extent on the socio-economic development of the communities from where we operate. To that end, FMN has, over the years, invested heavily in this regard,” he said.

He also sent a letter of appreciation sent by the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar acknowledging the receipt of four thousand cartons of chicken indomine donated to the community by FMN recently.

On the allegation of poor working condition, Iboroma argued that the “assertions all wrong,” insisting that “Sunti Golden Sugar Estate remains the first and only greenfield investment under the National Sugar Master Plan that is currently producing raw sugar.

Like most of our investments in the food value chain, we are creating jobs and empowering our communities through active collaboration.”
But some of the workers who spoke to our correspondent in the estate last week countered Iboroma’s assertion and insisted that no workers actually volunteered to stay as the stay on the farm order was imposed.
“They were asked to leave if they so wish and that no one will be allowed back in, which practically signifies intimidation.

Both staff and casual workers here live practically in fear of sack as people are summarily sacked verbally,” one of them said.

On accommodation, the workers alleged that “it was not until a day or two that they started providing accommodation to workers, putting them as many as 8 in a two bedroom flat or containers in this heat period without any provision of cooling system.”
As regards Covid 19 safety procedures, the workers put his poser: “Why are there no washing points at the road leading to the junior staff quarters and containers? Why are there no washing points at the Factory Estate gate as well as the Portal-Cabin where they have kept many of the villagers who are workers?”

According to them, what obtained presently is that all the points where the workers can have contact with the whites have been barricaded and “when it becomes necessary for a Nigerian to access those points, he must have to wash and sanitize his hands to avoid infecting the foreigners who themselves barely use the washing points.”

Iboroma however insists that all safety measures were designed to ensure that we can continue to maintain a safe and healthy workplace, including protecting against the transmission of Coronavirus and other diseases.
“We perform health screenings regularly and encourage high safety and hygiene standards. All our employees are advised to wash their hands, use alcohol-based sanitizers and maintain social distancing always in line with advice from the World Health Organisation (WHO), Federal and State Health Agencies including the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).”

Related Topics:coverstory Flour Mills Society

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

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Nollywood Actress Ferrari Tonia Okoro Honored as UN Eminent Peace Ambassador in the US

Published

2 days ago

October 4, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Nollywood Actress Ferrari Tonia Okoro Honored as UN Eminent Peace Ambassador in the US

Nollywood actress Ferrari Tonia Okoro has been recognized alongside 41 other peace champions as part of the UN Eminent Peace Ambassadors Class of 2024. The prestigious investiture ceremony took place on September 28, 2024, in Rochester, Minnesota, USA.

Ferrari expressed immense joy and gratitude for the honor, crediting her mentor, Dr. Mrs. Annah Adepoju, an immigration expert, for her guidance. Ferrari acknowledged the valuable lessons she learned from Dr. Adepoju, particularly the importance of investing time and resources in charity and humanitarian causes.

Speaking on the award, Ferrari said, “I owe this recognition to my mentor, Dr. Annah Adepoju. She has always emphasized the need to give back and help others, which has shaped my journey and led to this moment.”

The investiture as a UN Eminent Peace Ambassador highlights Ferrari’s dedication to promoting peace and humanitarian efforts, both within and beyond her work in the entertainment industry. Her recognition alongside 41 other global peace advocates underscores the collective impact of individuals committed to making the world a more peaceful place.

This honor not only solidifies Ferrari Tonia Okoro’s standing as a talented actress but also as a leader in advocating for peace and charitable causes.

Meanwhile, Mayor Kim Norton of Rochester, who was also among the awardees, was unable to attend the ceremony. She is expected to receive her award today, Friday, October 4th, 2024, at the Divine Immigration and Education Consultancy office in Rochester, MN.

celebrity radar - gossips

Femi Falana Talks Tough On Bobrisky, VeryDarkMan

Published

2 days ago

October 4, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Crossdresser, Bobrisky Never Spoke To Me, Never Met Him Before – Falana

Interestingly, human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has disclosed that he has never spoken or met with a crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky before in his lifetime.

Falana made this disclosure when he appeared in an interview on Channels TV on Thursday, insisting that none of his family had anything to do with Bobrisky.

He added that it was true that Bobrisky called his son, Falz, to help him with financial assistance when he was in prison, which he (Falz) refused to do.

Falana said, “Bobrisky never spoke to me, I have never met him, I don’t know him from Adam. He was alleged to have spoken to my son, Folarin, Falz. My son said this guy was appealing to him for assistance, and called my son, please, can you give me N3million to be placed in a special part of the prison; we call it VIP section.

“And my son asked, are you calling me under the authorisation of the superintendent of prisons, he said “No, please don’t call me again. I’m unable to assist you to bribe the prison authorities, and please be careful since you are already in jail for an offence, and if you are going to call me next time, you can either do it through the superintendent or write a letter endorsed by the prison authorities”, and that was the last.

“Somebody now said that he listened to a tape somewhere and he went out to lampoon, however, defamed me. My son has never negotiated fix on behalf of anybody. On the contrary, my three children normally refer people who need assistance to me.

“Now what I am going to do: I have resisted the temptation to file a criminal complaint because I am leading a team of lawyers in West Africa, campaigning for decriminalisation of freedom of expression. In this case, we are not going to file a criminal complaint, we won’t be pushed to do that. What we will do is embark on civil proceedings with a view to restoring our integrity, my own name and that of my son.”

Falana’s comments were in reaction to controversies that had trailed a recent publication made by social media influencer, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan.

VeryDarkMan allegedly made some unverified and inaccurate claims against Falana, saying he was involved in a bribery allegation with Bobrisky.

However, VeryDarkMan on Monday tendered his “unreserved apology” to human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN when he appeared before the Nigerian House of Representatives.

He had said also he did not believe Falana was involved in the alleged bribery levelled against cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

celebrity radar - gossips

LIKE A METEOR, EVELYN JOSHUA CRUSADE LIGHTENS LATIN AMERICA. BY DARE ADEJUMO

Published

3 days ago

October 3, 2024

Sahara Weekly

LIKE A METEOR, EVELYN JOSHUA CRUSADE LIGHTENS LATIN AMERICA.

BY DARE ADEJUMO

People of Latin America are eagerly waiting with intense interest, excitement and high expectations for Pastor Evelyn Joshua Crusade of Synagogue Church Of All Nations SCOAN scheduled to hold on 11th and 12th of this month at the city of Resistencia in Chaco province of Argentina.

The Argentines are particularly elated for hosting the crusade. The palpability of this could be seen in the fire of their enthusiasm to lend a supporting hand in every way possible for the success of the event.

From the neighbouring countries of Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, Dominican, Peru, Granada and Uruguay for instance, people are daily besieging the emergency center at CENTRO CRISTIANO DE AVIVAMIENTO in droves for registration just as large numbers of others from the 48 nations within the Argentine Republic are not left behind in the race for salvation and deliverance.

Alejandro Paz, a teacher, Culture expert and environmentalist, looking at the throng of large predominantly white people at the center said: “I am not surprised to see the massive response to the Crusade because many have now come to realize the spiritual angles to many human problems” . Besides, he added “the ministry of TBJOSHUA cannot not be joked with here because we all knew the late man of God whose positive impacts in the world and among many of our people as a true man of God remain indelible and we have also seen the continued grace from God radiating from Pastor Evelyn Joshua the now SCOAN leader”.

To Dr. Ceser Joepuin Prieto, a consultant Ganeacologist, “The Argentine Republic is now in the process of restoration. Our President wants to please God and do away with everything that’s antithetical and offensive to God. We Argentines are all set in this regard for a better future of our country and so you can see the congeniality of this crusade for the betterment of our country at this moment”.

It is obviously a time of good harvest for hospitality industries in Argentina.
Our findings show the spring of a better business era for the hotels that are now being overbooked. Some of the hotels are: Howard Johnson, Amerian Casino Gala, Atrium, Diamante, Gran, Marconi, Amudoch Colon, Victorios, Angeluz, Alvear, Boutique Del Pomar, Huerto Ciudad de Fontana, Estancia San Alfonso and Quinta El Descanso among others are all having a high time of guests upsurge as a result of the Crusade.
Mr. Raul Marquez from Mexico is left behind speaking on behalf of Mexicans: “We have high expectations coming for this crusade. People are hungry to receive anointing from Mommy Evelyn Joshua. Only the demented or satanic agents would not see the glory of God in the TBJOSHUA Ministry and the enduring God’s grace in Mommy Evelyn Joshua “.
Santiango Gobel Flugnen from Brazil: “You haven’t seen anything yet from the large numbers of people who I know are coming from Brazil. TBJOSHUA Ministry we all know and cherished; and with the grace we have continued to witness in Evelyn Joshua remains a reference point in true Christendom and God’s love for mankind to be closer and serve in spirit and truth. We in Brazil are praying to have this crusade in our country because we know it’s a blessing “.
Though more of Catholicism than pentecostal genre, residents of Chaco are all united to be part of the Crusade.
Dlfredo Luiz Alcaraz of Mensajero De Sion speaking on behalf of the Christian community in Argentina:
“We the Argentines have been longing to have this crusade ever before the passing of TBJOSHUA. We thank God to have it now because this is God’s time for our land. We are grateful to God for the blessings and turn around that would happen in the lives of Argentines by this crusade”.
Pastor Robert Acosta is a prominent Christian leader in Argentina.
“I believe in God’s agenda and in His time everything is perfect. The man of God before his passing had spoken of this crusade in Argentina. We have been seeing miracles and healing breakthroughs, Holy Spirit and the crusade has not started yet. It’s like you are smelling the wet ground because the big rain is coming”. Pastor Acosta who described TBJOSHUA in his encounter as an inspiration, model of love, wise counsellor and mentor, pastor and father who God used to lead him right in many decisions and the grace of God upon his life through his guidance is in high spirit of what God is going to do during the crusade and blessings that would follow the crusade. He specifically emphasized “spiritual open doors by the Holy Spirit that God would use Pastor Evelyn TBJOSHUA to accomplish and leave behind in the land of Argentina”.
Maria Sol, a public servant and secretary to a Government Minister: “we are all excited in Argentina for the crusade. The government will ensure adequate security for the people during a two-day event”.

To hold a crusade by SCOAN in a far away country at this time is not an easy task especially for a Ministry such as SCOAN which doesn’t collect any offerings or money for any support in any country where it’s holding a crusade. Rather SCOAN would go there to bless the land with landmark charity programs across the frontiers of challenges facing the people. No group of any kind in such a place is ever allowed to raise fund for any kind of support for the crusade. This has been the foundational principle of SCOAN which Pastor Evelyn Joshua would never compromise. She doesn’t want evangelism to be used as a cover of any kind for materialism or personal advantage ‘if we are following the steps of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; and the uncompromising stand of his servant TBJOSHUA, the extension of the grace we are under ” said Evelyn Joshua.

Speaking further on the crusade , Pastor Evelyn Joshua described the train of Crusade to Argentina as “a journey of love” “It’s God’s command for this crusade to hold in Argentina and we have to move in God’s love and pleasure. It’s beyond our control because it’s a God’s project”.
PORTAL DEL CIELO (Door of the heaven) as the name implies in English, the place for the crusade at Resistencia is said to be the largest place of people’s gathering in the entire Latin America.